Minima Frameless Shower

Article
Nov 20, 2008

Founded in 1873 making cast iron products, Kohler began its shower enclosure endeavors in 1987. With over 20 years of innovation and design, today’s Kohler believes that decorative tile work shouldn’t be hidden away in the bathroom, so it has created a frameless shower enclosure that offers a clean aesthetic and creates an open environment that’s an ideal showcase.

In July, Qualified Remodeler magazine featured showers in the Kitchen and Bath Spotlight and introduced the Minima shower enclosure from Kohler. The Minima shower enclosure creates a frameless rectangle with one fixed panel and one that integrates a sliding door to create an open 46- by 35-in. luxury shower environment. The Minima shower is nearly the size of most common shower spaces making it attractive for retrofitting.

There are a few benefits for shower enclosures. Kohler’s shower enclosures generally match up with its tubs or receptors so it’s a really easy fit for a remodeler who is replacing a unit. “They come in standard sizes and they’re a good way to contain water, especially when the alternative is a curtain,” adds Anne Sentowski, associate product manager for showers.

The Minima is a little unique in an enclosure because it creates a shower in and of itself. It doesn’t require a shower receptacle, just tiled walls, floor and a drain. The door can also be positioned on the right or the left hand side and comes with a CleanCoat coating on the glass that repeals water. No harsh chemicals are needed, just some water and a rag.

“The Minima has a very clean, frameless look,” says Sentowski. “The sliding mechanisms are exposed allowing you see the components. That is really a modern contemporary look.”

Kohler makes sliding doors for tubs and showers. This includes doors for tubs up to 5 ft. in length and shower doors that come in sizes ranging from 4 to 5 ft. In addition, Kohler also manufactures bath screens that give some water control without a full door; swing, pivot, corner and neo angle shower enclosures; and doors whose metal finishes coordinate with Kohler’s line of faucets.

One of the main drawbacks with enclosures can be the potential out-of-plumb condition that may exist in many bathrooms. “It’s like putting a door in a frame,” explains Sentowski. “It’s not always square. Sometimes you have to make some adjustments because it may not go in right away. If it’s not exactly plumb, you have to do a little work.”

Kohler plans to continue on its quest to freshen up its shower enclosure line. It has spent the last few years creating and upholding a more modern clean look so people can showcase what’s behind their shower doors instead of closing it off.